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Cascais - Things to Do in Cascais in December

Things to Do in Cascais in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Cascais

15°C (60°F) High Temp
9°C (48°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Genuinely mild temperatures between 9-15°C (48-60°F) make this perfect walking weather without the summer heat that sends locals indoors during midday. You can comfortably explore the coastal paths from Cascais to Guincho Beach covering 9 km (5.6 miles) without overheating.
  • December crowds drop significantly after the first week - accommodation prices typically fall 30-40% compared to summer rates, and you'll actually get tables at Santini gelato without the August queues. The town feels like it belongs to locals again.
  • Atlantic swells peak in December, bringing 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft) waves to Guincho Beach. This is when Portugal's surf season hits its stride, and you'll see why this coastline hosts international competitions. Even if you don't surf, watching from the dunes is genuinely impressive.
  • The Christmas market in the historic center (typically mid-December through early January) transforms Praça 5 de Outubro with wooden chalets selling regional crafts and food. It's authentically Portuguese rather than a tourist production - locals actually shop here for gifts and meet for ginjinha.

Considerations

  • Those 10 rainy days aren't gentle drizzle - Atlantic storms can be properly wet and windy, sometimes lasting entire days rather than brief showers. When weather systems roll in from the west, outdoor plans get genuinely disrupted, not just slightly dampened.
  • Sunset happens around 5:15 PM in December, which feels surprisingly early if you're used to longer days. By 6 PM it's fully dark, compressing your sightseeing window and making those coastal walks less appealing after mid-afternoon.
  • Many beach clubs and seasonal restaurants close entirely from November through March. The lively beach scene that defines summer Cascais basically doesn't exist - you're visiting for a different experience, and if endless beach days are your priority, this isn't your month.

Investigate Other Months

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Best Activities in December

Sintra Palace and Gardens Exploration

December weather is actually ideal for Sintra's palaces - the summer crowds disappear and temperatures between 8-14°C (46-57°F) make hiking between sites comfortable rather than sweaty. The mist that rolls through the mountains adds atmospheric drama to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. The 5 km (3.1 miles) walk from town to Pena Palace becomes pleasant rather than the brutal summer slog. Worth noting that Sintra gets more rain than Cascais itself, so morning visits tend to have clearer skies.

Booking Tip: Book palace tickets online 3-5 days ahead to skip ticket office queues - even in December, Pena Palace gets busy around midday. Combination tickets covering multiple sites typically cost 25-35 EUR. Start early (palaces open 9:30 AM) to maximize daylight hours given that 5 PM sunset. See current tour options in the booking section below for guided visits that handle logistics.

Guincho Beach Surf Watching and Coastal Walks

December brings the Atlantic's biggest swells - waves consistently hit 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft) and occasionally larger during storm systems. Even if you're not surfing, the raw power of winter Atlantic is worth experiencing. The coastal walk from Cascais marina to Boca do Inferno and beyond stays comfortable in December temperatures, with that 70% humidity feeling fresh rather than oppressive. Winds can be strong (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph typically), so this is bracing rather than relaxing.

Booking Tip: Beginner surf lessons typically cost 35-50 EUR and are available year-round, though December requires thicker wetsuits (5mm, provided by schools). Book 5-7 days ahead. Advanced surfers should check surf forecasts - spots like Guincho and Carcavelos work best with northwest swells. The Cascais-Guincho cycle path covers 9 km (5.6 miles) and bike rentals run 15-25 EUR per day.

Lisbon Day Trips and Museum Circuit

December weather makes Lisbon exploration more comfortable than summer - you can tackle Alfama's hills and tram rides without heat exhaustion. The 30-minute train from Cascais to Cais do Sodré (2.25 EUR) runs every 20 minutes, making day trips effortless. Museums like MAAT and Berardo Collection are perfect rainy-day options. Interestingly, December brings fewer cruise ship crowds to Belém, so you'll actually get decent photos at Jerónimos Monastery.

Booking Tip: The Lisboa Card (20-42 EUR for 24-72 hours) covers public transport and museum entry - worth it if hitting 3-plus museums. Book Jerónimos Monastery tickets online to skip 30-minute queues even in winter. Current guided walking tours covering neighborhoods like Alfama or Belém typically range 20-35 EUR - see booking options below for routes that work in variable weather.

Wine Tasting in Colares and Sintra Region

December is harvest aftermath - wines are settling in barrels and winemakers have time to actually talk. The Colares wine region (20 minutes from Cascais) produces rare wines from phylloxera-resistant vines growing in sand dunes. Cooler December weather makes the drive through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park genuinely pleasant, and indoor tastings feel appropriate rather than like you're missing beach time. Most quintas require reservations.

Booking Tip: Wine tours with transportation typically cost 60-90 EUR including 3-4 tastings and lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead as many smaller producers close Sundays and Mondays. Self-driving works well - routes cover 30-40 km (19-25 miles) through scenic areas. See current wine tour options in booking section for organized experiences that handle reservations.

Cabo da Roca and Coastal Viewpoint Circuit

Europe's westernmost point sits 140 m (460 ft) above the Atlantic on dramatic cliffs. December brings that raw, windswept atmosphere that makes the location feel genuinely remote - summer's tour bus crowds thin considerably. Clear December mornings (typically before 11 AM) offer 20-30 km (12-19 mile) visibility across the coastline. The drive from Cascais covers 18 km (11 miles) through protected parkland. Bring a windbreaker - gusts regularly hit 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph).

Booking Tip: No entry fee for Cabo da Roca itself. Organized tours from Cascais or Lisbon typically bundle this with Sintra palaces, costing 45-70 EUR for half-day trips. If driving independently, arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM for better light and fewer visitors. The clifftop walks extend several kilometers in both directions for those wanting more than the certificate-and-photo stop.

Estoril Casino and Evening Entertainment

When December weather turns properly wet, the Casino Estoril (Europe's largest casino, 2 km or 1.2 miles from Cascais center) offers the kind of old-world atmosphere that feels appropriate for winter evenings. The Art Deco building hosts concerts, shows, and obviously gaming tables. December brings a local crowd rather than summer tourists - you'll hear Portuguese at the tables. The attached restaurants and bars stay open until 3 AM.

Booking Tip: Entry to gaming areas requires ID and has minimum age 18. No entry fee for most areas, though shows and concerts require advance tickets (typically 15-40 EUR). Dress code is smart casual - no shorts or flip-flops. The 10-minute walk from Cascais along the coastal promenade works fine in dry weather, or catch bus 418 for 1.50 EUR.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Cascais Christmas Market

The market in Praça 5 de Outubro typically runs mid-December through early January with wooden chalets selling regional crafts, foods, and gifts. This is genuinely for locals doing Christmas shopping - you'll find handmade ceramics, cork products, and traditional Portuguese sweets like bolo rei. Evening visits around 6-8 PM have the best atmosphere when lights are up and families gather for ginjinha and roasted chestnuts.

Late December

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Cascais Marina

December 31st brings fireworks over the marina around midnight, with crowds gathering along the waterfront promenade. The celebration is more low-key than Lisbon's massive Praça do Comércio event - expect a local vibe with families and residents rather than international party crowds. Restaurants along the marina require reservations weeks ahead for New Year's dinner service.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - not a light rain shell but proper protection for Atlantic storms that can last hours. Those 10 rainy days bring genuine weather, not brief tropical showers.
Layering pieces (merino or synthetic base, fleece mid-layer) - temperatures swing from 9°C (48°F) morning to 15°C (60°F) afternoon, and coastal wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Cascais involves hills, cobblestones get slippery when wet, and coastal paths can be muddy after rain. Leave the pristine white sneakers at home.
Sunglasses and SPF 30-plus sunscreen - that UV index of 8 is surprisingly high for December. Clear winter days mean strong sun reflection off water and white buildings.
Small backpack for day trips - you'll want to carry layers as weather changes, plus water and snacks for Sintra excursions where restaurant options thin out between sites.
European plug adapter (Type C/F) and the obvious voltage converter if your devices aren't dual voltage. Portugal uses 230V.
Light scarf or buff - useful for wind protection on coastal walks and adds warmth layer without bulk. That 70% humidity means wind cuts through more than you'd expect.
Swimsuit if you're brave - some locals do winter ocean swimming, and hotel pools are often heated. Not essential but takes minimal space.
Portable phone charger - you'll use maps, translation apps, and camera constantly. December's short daylight means more evening screen time.
Cash in small denominations - many cafes and smaller shops have 10-20 EUR minimums for cards. ATMs are everywhere but having 20-30 EUR in coins and small notes smooths daily transactions.

Insider Knowledge

The 30-minute train from Cascais to Lisbon (Cais do Sodré) costs just 2.25 EUR with a Viva Viagem card versus 4-5 EUR for single paper tickets. Buy the reusable card for 0.50 EUR at any station and load it - works on trains, Lisbon metro, buses, and trams. Tourists waste money on individual tickets all week.
December restaurant reservations matter more than you'd think - locals celebrate Christmas company dinners throughout the month, filling restaurants on weeknights. Book 2-3 days ahead for anywhere you specifically want to try, especially Thursday through Saturday.
Morning coastal walks (8-10 AM) typically get the clearest weather before afternoon cloud buildup. That variable December pattern usually means better visibility early, with weather deteriorating after 2 PM if it's going to rain.
The municipal market (Mercado da Vila) operates Wednesday and Saturday mornings with local produce, fish, and prepared foods. This is where Cascais residents actually shop - prices are half what you'll pay in tourist-area supermarkets, and the quality is genuinely better for seafood and produce.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early sunset affects plans - 5:15 PM darkness catches visitors off guard. That romantic coastal walk or Cabo da Roca visit needs to happen by 3 PM for decent light, not whenever you feel like it.
Assuming beach clubs and waterfront restaurants are open - many seasonal places close November through March. Check current operating hours before planning meals around specific spots, especially in Guincho area.
Packing only for mild weather shown in average temperatures - those Atlantic storms bring properly cold, wet conditions that feel nothing like 15°C (60°F) suggests. One warm fleece and waterproof layer prevents miserable days.

Explore Activities in Cascais

Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Cascais

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